Further protests against pension reform in France announced

In many cities, unions again called for rallies on Thursday, where authorities expected 400,000 to 600,000 participants. Roads, railways and refineries were blocked. Garbage collectors in Paris have gone on strike again. In Paris, too, protesters broke into the headquarters of the French luxury group LVMH and set fire to fireworks.

Macron had defended his controversial reform against continued criticism the night before and promised dialogue with the unions. The country must continue to make progress and he wants to talk to the social partners about how things are going. Reform is needed, public budgets need to be balanced. On Friday, the Constitutional Council will announce the result of an investigation into the reform project. He could undo the reform in whole or in part or declare it constitutional.

The protests are directed against the gradual increase of the retirement age from 62 to 64 years. With the reform that has now been adopted, the middle government wants to close an imminent gap in the pension fund. The dispute worsened as the government pushed through the text without a vote by the National Assembly. President Emmanuel Macron wants the reform to take effect by the end of the year. (oee/sda/dpa)